Come to Valley Forge National Historic Park on Sunday, August 23 with Sierra Club and other organizations to celebrate the national treasure and unique history we share in suburban Philadelphia on the 50th Anniversary of Valley Forge becoming a National Historic Park and continuing the celebration of our nation's 250 years of independence.
The 2026 Valley Forge Day will feature several workshops that honor the history of the area, the natural wonder and wildlife of our streams and public lands, information about how we can all help protect our streams from the threats of plastic pollution as well as ways to enjoy and protect America's National Parks for another 250 years. Here are some details. Check back for updates as we get closer to Aug 23.
Welcome starts at 9:30. Workshops run from 10:00 to 12:00. Parking and transportation suggestions provided after registration.
And lunch will be provided by Sierra Club.
Valley Forge Day - 2025
On a beautiful Saturday in early August, 2025, about 100 outdoor enthusiasts converged in Valley Forge National Historical Park for a day of biking, hiking, food, fun and education about the stress that all US National Parks, including Valley Forge, are feeling in the wake of budget cuts, interpretive display reviews and tremendous uncertainty about how they can effectively fulfill its mission.
Read more - Exploring, Enjoying and Protecting Our National Parks
Workshop Descriptions
Living History - Continental Soldiers Field Encampment Reenactment
Presented by Colonial Brewmiester & The Regiment
On December 19th, 1777, 12,000 soldiers having been defeated at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown, came to Valley Forge to begin rebuilding and retraining. During their stay at Valley Forge, the ragtag Continental Army – an eclectic corps of African Americans (both free and enslaved), Indigenous warriors, enlisted soldiers and officers from 10 of the 13 former colonies, and various “camp followers” – learned how to act as a single united army capable of standing up to hardened British Regulars. The army that marched in was accustomed to retreat and defeat, having only won three engagements (Dorchester Heights, Trenton, and Saratoga) since 1775. The army that marched out was as capable as any modern European force and proved their muster by fighting the retreating British to a stalemate at Monmouth the following June.
We will present “living history” of several soldiers who survived the ordeal at Brandywine and were transformed into elite soldiers under the tutelage of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. We will discuss how the army changed everything from its manual of arms to how we laid out camps to fundamentals of hygiene at his direction and the profound impact these changes had on morale, survival, and our ability to fight the British.
Von Steuben could only speak and write a small amount of English. In order to teach the 12,000 soldiers at Valley Forge, he took 120 men of the Commander in Chief's Life Guard, and trained them then deployed this "Model Company" to the rest of the army. The Life Guard trained non-commissioned officers at regimental and brigade levels and these men trained soldiers at the company and platoon levels. It was von Steuben's training that changed the bayonet for a weapon only wielded by the British to an armament that the American soldier trusted and used in effective charges at the Battle of Stony Point.
We encourage visitors to step into the world we are seeking to recreate and engage with us as if you were on the march with the Continental Army or encountered them while they were on the march. Several different soldiers from different parts of the army will be represented. We encourage our visitors to ask questions, explore our camp, and get a feel for how the army transformed as a result of the work done at Valley Forge.
Fly Fishing Demonstration
Presented by Valley Forge Trout Unlimited
Valley Forge Trout Unlimited will demonstrate multiple fly-casting techniques for area streams, rivers, lakes and ponds that can be used for trout, bass, and a variety of other species. We will show visitors how easy it is to start and visitors can try their hand at casting a fly rod.
We will also demonstrate the skill of fly tying. See how we take thread, fur, feathers and hair to create life-like imitations of insects and other food that fish typically eat.
Attracting Birds with Native Plants
Presented by Valley Forge Park Alliance
What people can do to preserve birds in our region. The importance of our ecosystem and food chain. Birds need to eat insects and insects need specific native plants. People should reduce lawns, plant native plants and trees, eliminate invasive species, refrain from using pesticides, keep pet cats indoors, protects birds from window strikes, and more. This could include what the park has done to preserve and enhance the meadows for birds that need native meadow ecosystems to reproduce.
Possibly in conjunction with a Bird ID Walk early that morning (like 8 am).
Plastic Pellets - Threats To Our Ecosystems
Presented by PennEnvironment
Description TBD
National Parks Are Preserving Public Lands For Generations To Come
Presented by National Parks Conservation Association
Description TBD
Get Outdoors!
Presented by Sierra Club
Description TBD